Death of a Poet: An Akitada Novel

by I. J. Parker

Delving into the past can be as dangerous as interfering in someone else's business. Akitada unravels the dark secrets of a poet who drowned six months earlier in a remote mountain region. Was his death an accident or murder? His wife, an imperial princess, demands an investigation and the prime minister issues the order. As Akitada probes into the dead man's final days, his friend Tora becomes entangled in a shopkeeper's murder and uncovers the corruption and brutality of the capital police. Both men unleash savage retaliation and nearly lose their lives as they search for answers.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Japan, Mystery

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2025

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this adventure, both Akitada and his man Tora have cases that partially overlap. It was all just as enjoyable satisfying as previous volumes... And of course now I want to find out what happens next, given the ending here. (Not a cliffhanger, just some new possibilities are opening in his life & career! Historical note: bits of this book have a basis in real history, which you can read about in the afterword.)

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Akitada and Tora are getting up there in years, but neither is mellowing with age. Three murders are investigated and both our heroes find themselves in the crosshairs of powerful and violent people. I liked the settings in the capital and in the mountainous region south of Nara. I also liked the free spirited and resourceful characters Kaneie and Hiroshi. Looking forward to (I hope) the next book.

[Patricia Winemiller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many twists and turns

Police brutality and a declining Culture seem fitting subjects for our sad time in America and for the future of our Planet

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Akitada story! I liked the Buddhism infused into this story. I am waiting for the next one.